Child’s first fish(es)
Discussion
So CFK2 is getting to that point where she would like/needs something more than dollies and teddy bears to love, cherish and care for. And yes, straight away, I know who’ll be doing most of the caring 
but anyway.....
We’ve suggested a few goldfish and she’s all over it. But then she is only four so hardly a surprise.
We’ve talked it over and done the whole “They’re not toys” bit which she hoisted on board pretty well, even replying “No daddy, we have to look after them and make sure they’re ok”....which was encouraging.
On to the hardware..... After a bit of Googling and trawling Amazon, Fluval seems to be pretty popular and offer a 35L bow-fronted glass tank which fits the bill size, feature and budget wise at around a Foot square and £80 including LED lighting and a three-stage filter (Appreciate there are a few more costs involved). Granted this is a fair chunk of money for what might turn out to be a five minute thing before Paw Patrol is on again but it’ll sit in a family room so we’d also like it to be aesthetically acceptable and not some gaudy toy.
We’re not talking anything fancy with the fish either, two or three common goldfish, comets or similar (which will be named Marshmallow, Lemon (bit cruel for a fish I thought) and Grace apparently.....your guess is as good as mine. She’s four, remember?)
I’ve kept fish in the past and am secretly a bit keen regardless, or should I just get a £9.99 round plastic bowl, a little figure of a diver and spend an evening chancing my luck at the local fair on Hook-a-duck?
Over to you.....
but anyway.....We’ve suggested a few goldfish and she’s all over it. But then she is only four so hardly a surprise.
We’ve talked it over and done the whole “They’re not toys” bit which she hoisted on board pretty well, even replying “No daddy, we have to look after them and make sure they’re ok”....which was encouraging.
On to the hardware..... After a bit of Googling and trawling Amazon, Fluval seems to be pretty popular and offer a 35L bow-fronted glass tank which fits the bill size, feature and budget wise at around a Foot square and £80 including LED lighting and a three-stage filter (Appreciate there are a few more costs involved). Granted this is a fair chunk of money for what might turn out to be a five minute thing before Paw Patrol is on again but it’ll sit in a family room so we’d also like it to be aesthetically acceptable and not some gaudy toy.
We’re not talking anything fancy with the fish either, two or three common goldfish, comets or similar (which will be named Marshmallow, Lemon (bit cruel for a fish I thought) and Grace apparently.....your guess is as good as mine. She’s four, remember?)
I’ve kept fish in the past and am secretly a bit keen regardless, or should I just get a £9.99 round plastic bowl, a little figure of a diver and spend an evening chancing my luck at the local fair on Hook-a-duck?
Over to you.....
Also got a blue one.....
The first 24hrs have been interesting. At first they were quite active, but have become positively reclusive to the point I thought they’d actually jumped out.
Water has also gone from crystal clear to having a very feint milkiness about it but I’m assuming that’ll clear in due course and is just the result of introducing live fish.
Also got a couple of tiny snails to help with the housework.
The first 24hrs have been interesting. At first they were quite active, but have become positively reclusive to the point I thought they’d actually jumped out.
Water has also gone from crystal clear to having a very feint milkiness about it but I’m assuming that’ll clear in due course and is just the result of introducing live fish.
Also got a couple of tiny snails to help with the housework.
Five days, with some tap-safe additive and the filter running.
If you looked at it, you wouldn’t think “Geez, that’s cloudy”, but I’ve noticed it as I’ve seen it when it was completely clear.
We’re thinking of adding a couple more fish too as I wonder if they’re hiding lots due to there only being three of them and thus too much open water for them to feel safe.
If you looked at it, you wouldn’t think “Geez, that’s cloudy”, but I’ve noticed it as I’ve seen it when it was completely clear.
We’re thinking of adding a couple more fish too as I wonder if they’re hiding lots due to there only being three of them and thus too much open water for them to feel safe.
Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 14th July 10:14
Thanks for all the advice.
Update for you.....
Marshmallow, Grace and Lemon have all woken up a bit in the last few days and spend more time visible than hiding. Water has returned to being totally clear now, although I have spotted a small patch of fuzz starting to grow on some of the gravel.
Ordered some Seachem Stability from Amazon who are adamant they delivered it on Tuesday. But guess what?
Can’t seen to find a local stockist to buy it in store.
Will be cleaning out the fuzz and changing some of the water in a bit.....
Update for you.....
Marshmallow, Grace and Lemon have all woken up a bit in the last few days and spend more time visible than hiding. Water has returned to being totally clear now, although I have spotted a small patch of fuzz starting to grow on some of the gravel.
Ordered some Seachem Stability from Amazon who are adamant they delivered it on Tuesday. But guess what?
Can’t seen to find a local stockist to buy it in store.
Will be cleaning out the fuzz and changing some of the water in a bit.....
An update.....
Fish now lively and loving life.
Water staying clear after the recent 25% swap and introduction of Stability, so thanks for all the advice.
Daddy fish still bothering mummy fish. Think two of them may actually be in a relationship as it’s gone from chasing round the tank to swimming excitedly along side each other.
Fuzz over the gravel hasn’t reappeared.
CFK Jnr still interested too...says hello to them in the morning and goodnight of a night time. Fascinated when they feed.
Next step might be explaining all the little fish if and when they appear.
Fish now lively and loving life.
Water staying clear after the recent 25% swap and introduction of Stability, so thanks for all the advice.
Daddy fish still bothering mummy fish. Think two of them may actually be in a relationship as it’s gone from chasing round the tank to swimming excitedly along side each other.
Fuzz over the gravel hasn’t reappeared.
CFK Jnr still interested too...says hello to them in the morning and goodnight of a night time. Fascinated when they feed.
Next step might be explaining all the little fish if and when they appear.
Bugger.
Seems we have a poorly fish
All three perked up following the 25% water change (another due tomorrow).
Have also been introducing Seachem Stability and everything was looking peachy.
Now, in the last 24hrs, the largest of the trio has taken to hanging out right at the surface. It’s still swimming, but just doesn’t seem to want to dive. Isn’t gulping for air, and when the other two give it a prod it will swim down to the depths and it seems otherwise ok, no visual changes.
The other two are fine and loving life.
Seems we have a poorly fish
All three perked up following the 25% water change (another due tomorrow).
Have also been introducing Seachem Stability and everything was looking peachy.
Now, in the last 24hrs, the largest of the trio has taken to hanging out right at the surface. It’s still swimming, but just doesn’t seem to want to dive. Isn’t gulping for air, and when the other two give it a prod it will swim down to the depths and it seems otherwise ok, no visual changes.
The other two are fine and loving life.
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